The DTM project of BMW has literally taken off: On Monday the new BMW M3 DTM, with which the brand will make its comeback to the DTM in 2012, completed its first roll-out on BMW’s own test track in Aschheim. Apart from BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt, numerous motorsport division employees attended the roll-out, which marks a milestone in the preparations ahead of the 2012 season. On Friday Marquardt had introduced the BMW M3 DTM to senior BMW Group executives at a separate event in Munich.

“Obviously it is a very special occasion when a new car such as the BMW M3 DTM drives out of the garage for the first time,” said Marquardt. “For that reason we invited our personnel to see the car in action out in the open. Every member of our team has worked extremely hard towards this day. This marks yet another step towards our first race in 2012. However, many more steps have yet to follow. The car used for the roll-out plus the Concept Car, which will be unveiled on 15th July in Munich, give a first taste of what our 2012 challenger will look like. We expect a lot to change visually on the car before the first race.”

The roll-out marks the biggest highlight to date in the development process of the BMW M3 DTM programme. The full test programme will commence shortly in Aschheim. After this more test cars will be completed before they are handed over to the three teams representing BMW, which are BMW Team Schnitzer, BMW Team RBM and BMW Team RMG.

On 15th July 2011 members of the media will be invited to view the first version of the BMW M3 DTM at the “BMW welcomes DTM” event at BMW Welt in Munich. Afterwards the BMW M3 DTM Concept Car will be on public display in BMW Welt as part of the support programme for the DTM race weekend in the Olympic Stadium.